Bill O’Reilly loses custody of both his children after heated court battle

February 29, 2016

Fox News host Bill O’Reilly will no longer have full custody of his children after a court has decided in favor of his ex-wife. The decision comes after a lengthy court battle, finally concluding this week.

The popular conservative talk show host has been in a bitter legal fight with his ex-wife Maureen McPhilmy over the custody of their two children, ages 13 and 17-years-old. As reported by Gawker on Feb. 29, the children’s preference was to remain with the mother.

Late last year, a Nassau County Supreme Court justice ruled that McPhilmy would be granted full custody, but O’Reilly filed an appeal, delaying any possible action. However, O’Reilly’s appeal only prolonged the inevitable as a New York appeals court upheld the justice’s prior decision this week. As Gawker reports, the Appellate Division opinion elaborated on the decision.

“Particularly relevant in this case are the clearly stated preferences of the children, especially considering their age and maturity, and the quality of the home environment provided by the mother.”

O’Reilly’s oldest child, now 17-years-old, was part of another legal issue last year when she came forward to accuse her father of physically abusing her mother. The Fox News host allegedly dragged “McPhilmy down a staircase by her neck,” which was witnessed by their daughter, then 16-years-old. The children will now live in full-time custody of McPhilmy, but O’Reilly is still planning to respond back with contempt of court charges. Despite the ongoing legal battle, O’Reilly continues to hold down his job as one of Fox News’ highest rated hosts.